Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs Acura ADX

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer exuded a traditional SUV aesthetic, sharing its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer. This resulted in a similar appearance to the smaller 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, characterized by a tall hood, broad shoulders, trapezoidal wheel arches, and an upright profile. The Grand Wagoneer distinguished itself with a standard black roof, model-specific hood, front fascia, and grille. Its grille leaned forward slightly, featuring laser-etched knurling in the slots, while the wheel centre caps were protected by acrylic glass. The vehicle's body-on-frame architecture, shared with the Wagoneer, allowed for independent suspension and incorporated lightweight materials like an aluminum hood and doors.

Inside, the Grand Wagoneer shared styling cues with the Wagoneer, such as an integrated infotainment touchscreen and a two-spoke steering wheel. However, it offered more luxurious features, including 24-way power front seats with memory, massage, and lumbar support, along with heated first- and second-row seats. Nappa leather upholstery was standard, with higher-grade Palermo leather available. The interior also featured aluminum and American Walnut wood trim, with seat controls placed high on the doors, reminiscent of Mercedes. The dashboard prominently displayed the "Grand Wagoneer" name, ensuring occupants never forgot the vehicle they were in.

The 2025 Acura ADX, while sharing its general shape with the Honda HR-V, showcased distinct Acura styling. Its large pentagonal grille with diamond-patterned mesh was striking, complemented by LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. A-Spec models added LED fog lights, while the rear featured vent-like creases, a hatch-top wing, and dual exhaust outlets for a sporty look. Standard 18-inch wheels were upgraded to 19-inchers on A-Spec trims, with Berlina Black or Shark Grey finishes. The ADX offered six exterior colours, with the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim unlocking additional options.

Inside, the ADX felt authentically Acura, with our A-Spec tester featuring a red interior that extended across the dash, door cards, and centre console. The cabin avoided the cheap feel of limiting coloured elements to the front seats and minimized the use of piano black plastic. The ADX's interior was premium, with a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel and sportier flat-bottomed shape on A-Spec models. The vehicle's noise cancellation measures were effective, providing a quiet ride even at highway speeds.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, delivering 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. This engine featured cylinder deactivation for improved fuel efficiency and was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Grand Wagoneer could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in approximately six seconds, impressive for its 2,900-kilogram weight. It came standard with four-wheel drive, featuring the Quadra-Drive II system with a two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential. The Quadra-Lift air suspension system was also standard, offering adjustable height for various driving conditions.

The Grand Wagoneer boasted 25.4 centimetres of ground clearance, with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 25, 24, and 22 degrees, respectively. It could ford up to 60 centimetres of water and was equipped with skid plates for off-road protection. Despite its powerful engine, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace, as its ride became bouncy at higher speeds, and the steering felt imprecise. Its size limited its off-road capabilities, and it did not receive Jeep's "Trail Rated" badge.

The 2025 Acura ADX featured a 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine provided adequate power for the ADX's size. While not the most powerful in its class, the ADX's power output was sufficient for everyday tasks and even some spirited driving on twisty roads. The ADX offered four drive modes: Sport, Normal, Comfort, and Snow, adjusting engine response, steering feel, and cabin sound. The Platinum Elite A-Spec trim added an Individual mode for personalized settings.

The ADX's visibility was excellent, thanks to slim A-pillars and adjustable driver seating. Acura's noise cancellation measures were effective, providing a quiet cabin. While the ADX's fuel economy was competitive, those seeking better efficiency might consider a hybrid competitor like the Lexus UX 300h. The ADX required premium fuel, similar to its rivals.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven passengers with standard second-row captain's chairs or eight with an optional third-row bench seat. It offered more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Infiniti QX80. However, front-row space was more limited compared to the Escalade and Navigator. The Grand Wagoneer provided 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. Folding all rear seats yielded 2,667 litres, less than some rivals. Its maximum towing capacity was 4,472 kilograms, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to the Grand Wagoneer's extra weight.

The Grand Wagoneer featured a standard sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, and large storage bins. Forward visibility was somewhat limited by the hood, but the standard 360-degree camera system helped mitigate this issue.

The 2025 Acura ADX offered a premium interior with no cloth upholstery. The base trim featured leatherette seating, while A-Spec and Platinum Elite A-Spec trims added microsuede accents. The heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel had a sportier shape on A-Spec models. Heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat were standard, with front-seat ventilation and passenger power adjustments on A-Spec trims. The Platinum Elite A-Spec added driver's seat memory.

The ADX provided more front-row headroom and legroom than the Lexus UX and better rear seat legroom than the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Lexus UX. Cargo space measured 690 litres behind the rear seats (656 litres on the top trim) and 1,560 litres (1,526 litres on the top trim) with them retracted. A power tailgate with walkaway close, dual-zone climate control, and rear-seat vents were standard.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a McIntosh audio system, and a 4G-LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Second-row passengers had a 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system added two 10.1-inch screens. The Grand Wagoneer had a larger touchscreen than the standard Wagoneer and a second screen for seat massagers. A separate 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger was available, allowing control of navigation and entertainment systems. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered an Android-based operating system and over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Acura ADX prioritized infotainment with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wi-fi hotspot, and a wireless phone charging pad. It featured a nine-inch centre touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster. The ADX avoided the trackpad found in larger Acura models and included a physical volume knob. Bluetooth, two front-row USB-C ports, and an eight-speaker sound system were standard. A-Spec models added two rear USB-C ports, while the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim included Alexa Built-In, Google Built-In, HD Radio, and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system with the "beosonic" app for sound customization.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA. Standard safety features included a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Optional features included intersection collision assist, driver-attention monitor, night vision, traffic-sign recognition, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Active Lane Management System combined adaptive cruise control with lane centring, with a hands-free version planned for future release.

The 2025 Acura ADX came with nearly all safety and driver-assistance features standard, except for the surround-view camera system on the Platinum Elite A-Spec. The AcuraWatch suite included adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot information, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The ADX had not yet been crash-tested, but the Honda HR-V's high ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were promising for the ADX.